#kutabe

First is the Bai Ze, based on the Chinese creature of the same name, also called a Kutabe. It is described and depicted as a bovine or monstrous feline creature with multiple eyes, ranging anywhere from 1 to 9, with the larger numbers adding some of the eyes to it’s flanks, as well as many horns that are also on it’s sides. It is ALSO described as having the face of a man, and it’s theorized that this creature is what Absol, my favorite pokemon of all time, is based on.

So I decided to combine feline and bovine traits, admittedly resulting in something resembling how I would normally draw a chimera or manticore (both are coming later, fyi). I leaned heavily into the absol connection for my color choices, with the face being a tanned, fleshy color to call back to the human resemblance, even though I went more feline in structure.

Second is the Gyuuki, also known as an Ushi Oni, based on the similarly-named Japanese youkai, often described as either a massive spider or crab with the head of a monstrous ox, and there are many different depictions of it in media, most of them being the ox-headed spider, but one particular appearance depicting it as a monstous ox with octopus tentacles for tails.

I went the ox-crab route, with the ox part having shaggy, dark green fur with a yellowish tint to it to give it a somewhat sickening vibe and make it look like it could be a pile of grass if it curled up to sleep.

Finally is the Stolas, based on the Great Demon Prince from the Ars Goetia. Stolas is described to appear as either a raven or a crowned owl with long legs, and is said to teach astronomy while also being knowledgeable about herbs, poisonous plants, and precious stones. There is also a character based on him in the series Helluva Boss, which is probably where most folks will recognize the name from.